10 Design reveals next phase in Dubai apartment scheme

10 Design has revealed plans for the second phase of a sustainable mixed-use scheme in Dubai

This scheme will form the third phase of the larger project and includes 300 one, two and three-bedroom apartments within 21 low-rise buildings.

The buildings will sit in clusters within a forest landscape, and they are accessed by walkways which ‘meander through a series of landscaped pools and gardens’.

The Hong Kong-based practice, which has offices in Edinburgh, Shanghai and Dubai, has previously designed a 100,000m² phase of ‘staggered blocks’ for the development which is due to complete in 2016.

The architect’s view

‘The idea of “tree living” has given us the inspiration to envisage apartments with three different characters of usual amenity: at the forest floor, within the tree canopy, and above the forest canopy. With over 80 per cent of the site dedicated to landscape, these apartments will merge seamlessly into their surroundings from day one.

‘Within the Ashjar site three primary block typologies are proposed creating a rich and diverse community.

‘These range from the more extrovert and open, to the more introvert and screened to the larger exclusive terraced typology. In the extrovert typology, terraces and shading pergolas are woven to create a rich and vibrant façade self-shading external terraces and living areas. The introvert typology utilises operable screens to open or close external terrace and living areas opening up to the vista or creating a more quiet secluded internal/external sanctuary. The terraced typology affords a more exclusive experience for the larger units with entry via a naturally daylight core. Each typology is afforded the same quality of space and daylight together with a high level of finishes.

‘Within each typology the connection to nature and the landscape is central and is created via a series of expansive terraces and gardens. This connection to nature and landscape expands upon the highly successful previous phases of Al Barari.’

10 Design reveals Dubai apartment scheme

The building’s form is split into two staggered blocks and made up of a series of terraces which make the façade ‘self-shading’.

Each apartment had to have double or triple-aspect views across the landscape and towards the city in the north, and this has influenced the plan and section of the building.

An elevated pool deck provides views across towards the city skyline, while interior facilities include a spa area with pool and gym, restaurant, and residents lounge.

The scheme is expected to complete in 2016.

The architect’s view

‘The Seventh Heaven Residences at Al Barari are being designed and developed to create an eco-friendly and sustainable community ensuring preservation and longevity of natural resources.

‘The project responds to the distinct climate of Dubai, and strives to elongate the comfortable conditions of the year through incorporation of the best environmental strategies. The residences are positioned along an east-west axis, maximizing southern exposure and northern views, while minimizing east and west solar angles.

‘Placement on site will ensure exposure to cooling night time breezes and landscaping will help mitigate the impact of sandstorms. The units themselves feature high ceilings and shallow floor plates allowing rich cross ventilation and daylight, further enhanced through a customized system of balconies and shading structures. This ensures reduction of cooling loads even during the hottest points of summer and reduction of artificial light loads year round.

‘The development of landscaping vegetation and water bodies helps to prolong the period of comfort, enabling the site for active lifestyles. Recycling of water for landscaping alleviates the typical stress on aquifers, and integrated building systems ensure increased efficiency in the operation of the building. The integrated approach of the entire design and construction team will lead to the delivery of a holistic sustainable project.’

Subscribe to the AJ

The Architects’ Journal is the UK’s best-selling weekly architecture magazine and is the voice of architecture in Britain

About the Architects' Journal

The Architects' Journal is the voice of architecture in Britain. We sit at the heart of the debate about British architecture and British cities, and form opinions across the whole construction industry on design-related matters